Facing forfeit, JV footballer sits out — because she’s a girl

Mina Johnson of Virginia is the first girl to ever play for Southampton Academy. Unfortunately for her, that distinction hasn’t been celebrated by some of her gridiron opponents.

The eighth grader was forced to sit out of Southampton’s game against Northeast Academy, because Northeast threatened to forfeit if she played. Rather than suffer the forfeit, Johnson volunteered to sit out. She’s no minor player either — Johnson can play linebacker, nose tackle and left guard and recorded four sacks against Rocky Mount on Sept. 22.

The troubles may not end here for this tough young woman. Another opponent, Word of God Christian Academy, is also considering forfeiting if she plays. Mina’s mother says there is no rule in the Virginia state football books that states girls cannot play.

Luckily for Johnson, her JV teammates used their frustration to demolish Northeast 60-0. And they did it wearing pink armbands and socks to honor both Johnson and breast cancer victims.

“This is something you can’t take away, ever, and it’s me doing it,” Johnson said. “My first game, I took down a 6-foot quarterback.”